Disaster-Preparedness Education and Support in Time of Disaster: Challenges of Foreign Residents Living in Japan Observed from the Responses of Workshop Participants / 国際保健医療

ABSTRACT

Introduction  In December 2017, a workshop was held for foreign and Japanese residents to learn about the prevention of health problems in the time of disaster.   This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted at the workshop, focusing on a disaster-preparedness education and support for foreigners living in Japan. Methods  The workshop participants were asked about their knowledge of health problems in the time of disasters and their experiences with health counseling. Results  Data were obtained from 25 of the 48 workshop participants. Almost half of the respondents indicated that they understood the potential mental and physical health problems in the time of disaster. Foreign participants were able to grasp the medical system at the evacuation shelters in Japan, and were able to learn about diseases, especially with regards to being aware of their own health condition. Regarding health maintenance at evacuation shelters, participants indicated their need for physical and mental health support, as well as more information and sharing. Conclusions  Foreign participants emphasized their need for support regarding physical and mental aspects. This was informed by their experiences of living in an evacuation shelter and the workshop lecture, which facilitated a greater understanding of how everyday life would be affected after the disaster. The participants described challenges related to their own health, as well as language challenges in their experiences of health counseling. Since foreigners tend to hesitate when consulting others about language concerns, it is necessary to clarify the workings of support and medical care systems at evacuation shelters. In addition, frequently used medical terms and health guidance contents need to be presented in more than one language to lessen foreign residents’ anxiety during-the disaster.